Mackay gangs, stabbings text message 'rot'

Police say a text message warning of gangs and multiple stabbings in Mackay in north Queensland are false.

The messages are being circulated after the stabbing murder of Shandee Blackburn, 23, at the weekend in the city.

Inspector Peter Flanders says they are frustrated people are playing on the emotions of the community.

"That's what really upsets us is because a message with no basis, with a little bit of emotive language, is perceived as the truth in the community and people move into a situation of minor hysteria," he said.

"It's absolutely ridiculous.

"We really just want people to work with the facts and the people who have the facts about it at the moment, are the police service.

"In short, might I say the rumours are nothing but rot and someone who wants their 15 minutes of fame trying to grab it."

Blackburn murder

She was walking home from work early on Saturday morning when she was attacked on Boddington Street just south of Mackay's CBD.

A post-mortem examination has revealed Ms Blackburn suffered a "significant" number of stab wounds to the upper body.

Detective Acting Inspector Paul Elliot says as the investigation progresses, police are widening their search for the weapon.

"We have had a concentrated doorknock effort over the past couple of days but now we're expanding that search, that's right," he said.

"At this point in time we're still sifting through scientific [evidence] but we're of the opinion that the weapon or a weapon could possibly be an edged weapon a knife or something like that but definitely or possibly an edged weapon."